Considering it was only declassified as a mental disorder there in 2001
, Chinas attitude towards homosexuality now seems to be positively skyrocketing. Last year the first government backed gay bar opened in Kunming, in south-western Yunnan, and Shanghai held the first ever national gay pride celebration. This week China Daily featured the wedding of a male gay couple in a positive light on its front page. This may seem meager progress but homosexuality was only decriminalized in China in 1997 finally allowing its gay population to evolve. Within the last decade an emerging gay community has set up its own support groups, websites and venues in most of the major cities. Beijing has scored somewhat of an exclusive though and on the evening of Friday September 15 will host Chinas first male gay pageant. Although featuring only eight contestants the competition is garnering immense media interest from around the world as a further indication of changing attitudes and Chinas twenty first century transformation. Gayographic, the PR company organising the event hope that the pageant will contribute to gay visibility and the development of the gay community. The companys website states: The Mr. Gay China competition ismuch more than a beauty contest.While physical beauty will be part of the judges considerations, it is a young mans characterand personality that will make a difference in the selection. The judging panel is seeking a finalist who shows an interest in the world around him.the quintessential young man that is representative of China The winner will travel to Oslo, Norway for the Mr. Gay World finals in February. For weekly gay news, chat and soundbites visit www.mand8.com